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Cambodian Ministry of Information had informed all publications, include newspapers and magazines both in Khmer and foreign language publications, to use the phrase "Preah Vihear is Cambodian-owned" or "the Cambodian-owned Preah Vihear temple" in their description of this long disputed temple with Thailand.

The instruction came in the form of a letter from Information Minister Khieu Kanharith dated 6th August. The letter added that Preah Vihear temple (pictured) was built by the Khmer ancestors, therefore all Khmers must be proud of their achievements by helping the preserve their works.

This new directive comes at a time when many foreign media described the temple as a "Hindu temple", instead of the "Khmer temple", making unsuspecting readers who are unfamiliar with the history of the temple confused as to who built and owned the temple.

Preah Vihear temple was built in the 9th century when the Cambodian population as well as the Khmer kings followed Hinduism.

Source: Deum Ampil newspaper
Reported in English by Khmerization